Join us on September 21 for Doors Open Ontario and explore Waypoint's history

This specialty mental health hospital provides an extensive range of both acute and longer-term psychiatric inpatient and outpatient services. Recognized internationally for its research, the hospital’s main administration building is a heritage site that opened around 1860, constructed with help from residents of the Reformatory for Boys. Many other historical buildings are found on the site, juxtaposed with new construction.

The first Doors Open Day took place in France in 1984. The idea soon spread to neighbouring countries, including the Netherlands, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Scotland. In 1991, these events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe. In 2003, all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention participated in European Heritage Days.

In 2000, the City of Toronto launched the first Doors Open event in North America. In 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Doors Open Ontario, the first province-wide event of its kind in Canada, attracting visitors to unique heritage sites and cultural tourism experiences. The Doors Open concept continues to spread across North America with events now being held in Newfoundland, Alberta, Massachusetts, Western New York State, New York City and Denver.

Every year, Doors Open Ontario attracts large crowds across Ontario. From April to October, residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand Ontario’s hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.

Since the program was launched in 2002, over 7.3 million visits have been made to heritage sites participating in this exciting initiative. Doors Open Ontario, now considered a cultural phenomenon, continues with hundreds of communities participating across the province.